Mt. Defiance

Mount Defiance is a peak near the Columbia River Gorge region of northwestern Oregon. It rises to an elevation of 4,984 feet in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness on the Mount Hood National Forest. The peak is in Hood River County, Oregon. If you love amazing, expansive views, then the steep, bumpy crawl to the top of Mt. Defiance is ALL about that. From the summit, look to the south to see Mt Hood, and to the east is Hood River Valley. To the west is Mt. St Helens in Washington, and to the north is the Columbia River and Mt Adams. Apparently, this is an ideal mountain for communication equipment - as there are several buildings and antenna towers at the summit. Please be mindful of this equipment and stay well clear of it all. A perfect picnic spot is along the south side near some large rocks. This spot gives you a great view of the valley and Mt. Hood. The 1.6 miles and 1,165ft elevation gain to the top is all steep, very "bumpy" and requires a slow crawl. This is why solitude is found at the top of Mt Defiance - only the strongest of hikers, and high-clearance 4X4 vehicles should attempt this road.